DYSMENORRHEA, PMS &

ENDOMETRIOSIS

DYSMENORRHEA Introduction. Classification. Clinical features. Diagnosis. Management

INTRODUCTION Painful menstrual period, characterized by

cramping lower abdominal pain radiating to the back and legs, often accompanied by GI & neurological symptoms as well as general malaise.

Affects approximately 50% of menstruating women, but about 5-10% have severe dysmenorrhea affecting daily activities.

CLASSIFICATIONI. Primary or idiopathic without pelvic pathology.II. Secondary underlying pelvic pathology.

PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA

Usually appear within 1-2 yrs of menarche, when ovulatory cycles are established.

Main physiological basis is increased endometrial prostaglandin productions.

PGF2 alpha & PGE2 in high concentrations sp. in secretory endometrium because of decline of progesterone levels in late luteal phase.

Increased uterine tone with high amplitude contractions reduced blood flow ischemic pain.

CLINICAL FEATURES OF PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA. Pain usually begins a few hours prior to or

just after the onset of period & may last as long as 48-72 hrs.

Labor-like pains with suprapubic cramping, lumbosacral backache radiating down the anterior thigh.

Colicky pain improved with massage, counter pressure or movement.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea with rarely syncope episodes.

Normal findings except some tenderness.

DIAGNOSIS Necessary to rule out underlying pelvic

pathology.

Confirm the cyclic nature of the pain.

Consider differential diagnosis: Fibroid uterus Endometriosis Pregnancy complications like abortions & ectopic PID UTI Other causes of acute abdomen.

TREATMENT Reassurance. Prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors are effective in

approximately 80% of cases. Also improve menorrhagia if associated.

NSAIDs-Mefenamic acid, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac etc may be taken with/ without antispasmodics.

Drugs should be taken just prior to or at the onset of pain and continuously every 6-8 hrs to prevent reformation of PG by-products.

Drugs should be taken for first few days of period for 3-6 cycles.

Combined oral contraceptive pills is drug of choice in patients who fail to improve with NSAID ,or when NSAID contraindicated, or pt who desire contraception or associated with menorrhagia.

TREATMENT OCP- suppress endometrial proliferation, inhibits

ovulation no corpus luteum decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

Should be taken from day 5day 21 for 3-6 cycles. In non-responders- codeine may be added. Usually relieved spontaneously after delivery.

(sympathetic nerves at isthmus & cervix destroyed).

Invasive procedures like D & C not desirable in nulliparous / unmarried.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, paracervical block etc. may be useful.

Laparoscopic uterine nerve ablation or pre-sacral neurectomy –used rarely in severe & non-responding cases.

SECONDARY DYSMENORRHEA.

Usually occurs many years after the onset of menarche.

Pain often begins 3-5 days prior to period & relieved with onset of period, but sometimes may persist continuously up to a few days after the cessation of bleeding.

UNDERLYING PATHOLOGY IN SECONDARY DYSMENORRHEA.

1. Endometriosis / Adenomyosis.2. Fibroid uterus3. Congenital uterine anomalies-

bicornuate, septate etc.4. Cervical stenosis.5. Endometrial polyps.6. Pelvic inflammatory disease.7. IUCD

DIAGNOSIS Abdominal & vaginal examination may reveal

the underlying lesion. May need investigations like US, laparoscopy,

hysteroscopy, hysterosalpingogram etc.

TREATMENT Analgesics. Treatment of underlying cause

accordingly.

PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

PMS Is a group of physical, emotional &

behavioral symptoms that occur in the 2nd half (luteal phase) of the menstrual cycle

Often interfere with work & personal relationships followed by a period entirely free of symptoms starting with menstruation

INCIDENCE 40% Significantly affected at one time

or another.

2-3% Severe symptoms with impact on their work & lifestyle

5% by the American psychiatric association definition

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

Bloating Weight gain Breast pain & tenderness Skin disorders “acne” Hot flushes Headache Pelvic pain Changes in bowel habits Joint or muscle pain edema

EMOTIONAL / PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS

Irritability Aggression Tension Anxiety Depression / interest in the usual activities Lethargy Sleep disturbances Change in appetite overeating or food craving Crying Change in libido Thirst Loss of concentration Poor coordination, Clumsiness, accidents

ETIOLOGY Unknown cause.

Many theories have been postulated, most of them have to-do with various hormonal alterations.

Vitamin B6 deficiency

Multi-factorial psycho-endocrine disorder

Ovulation / progesterone production are important in this syndrome Drugs that inhibit ovulation relief of PMS symptoms

EVALUATION Pt should keep a diary of her symptoms

throughout 2-3 menstrual cycles.

Complete History & physical examination to R/O any medical problem

DIAGNOSIS The Diagnostic Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders requires

5 of the following:

Depressed mode Anxiety Emotional Liability Irritability Change in appetite Lethargy Sleep disturbance Out of control Lack of interest Physical symptoms

Occur in the week before menses in most menstrual cycles Disappear few days after the onset of menses Impair social, occupational function or the ability to interact

with others.

TREATMENT1- SUPPORTIVE

2-MEDICATIONS: The selection of medications should be

tailored to the patient’s main symptoms.

ENDOMETRIOSIS

ENDOMETRIOSIS Definition: Ectopic Endometrial Tissue

True Incidence Unknown: ? 1-5%

30 -40 % Infertility patients

Does NOT Discriminate by Race

Histology: Endometrial Glands with Stroma +/- Inflammatory Reaction

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Chronic Pelvic Pain, Dysmenorrhea

Infertility

Deep Dyspareunia

Pelvic Mass (Endometrioma)

Misc: Tenesmus, Hematuria, Hemoptysis

AGE AT DIAGNOSIS

< 196%

19 – 2524%

26 –3552%

36 –4515%

> 453%

ETIOLOGY: THEORIES Sampson: “Retrograde Menstruation” Hematologic Spread Lymphatic Spread Coelomic Metaplasia Genetic Factors Immune Factors Combination of the Above

No Single Theory Explains All Cases of Endometriosis

DIAGNOSIS Laparoscopy (“Gold Standard)

Laparotomy

Inconclusive: CA-125, Pelvic Exam, History, Imaging Studies

Biopsy Preferable Over Visual Inspection

APPEARANCEEndometriosis May Appear

Brown

Black (“Powder burn”)

Clear (“Atypical”)

APPEARANCE

APPEARANCE

APPEARANCE

APPEARANCE

CLASSIFICATION / STAGING Several Proposed Schemes

Revised AFS System: Most Often Used

Ranges from Stage I (Minimal) to Stage IV (Severe)

Staging Involves Location and Depth of Disease, Extent of Adhesions

CLASSIFICATION / STAGING

TREATMENT: OVERALL APPROACH

Recognize Goals: – Pain Management– Preservation / Restoration of Fertility

Discuss with Patient:– Disease may be Chronic and Not Curable– Optimal Treatment Unproven or Nonexistent

PAIN MANAGEMENT: MEDICAL THERAPY

NSAIDs OCPs (Continuous) Progestins Danazol GnRH-a GnRH-a + Add-Back Therapy Misc: Opoids, TCAs, SSRIs

CONTINUOUS OCP’S “Pseudopregnancy” (Kistner)

? Minimizes Retrograde Menstruation

Choose OCP’s with Least Estrogenic Effects, Maximal Progestin Effects

PROGESTINS

May be as Effective as GnRH-a for Pain Control

MPA 10-30 mg/day, DP 150 mg Semi-Monthly

Relatively Inexpensive

Side-Effects: AUB, Mood Swings, Weight Gain, Amenorrhea

DANAZOL Weak Androgen

Suppresses LH / FSH

Causes Endometrial Regression, Atrophy

Expensive

Side-Effects: Weight Gain, Masculinization, Occ. Permanent Vocal Changes

GNRH-A Initially Stimulate FSH / LH Release

Down-Regulates GnRH Receptors–”Pseudomenopause”

Long-Term Success Varies

Expensive

Use Limited by Hypoestrogenic Effects

May be Combined with Add-Back

SURGICAL TREATMENT (LAPAROSCOPY / LAPAROTOMY)

Excision / Fulguration Resection of Endometrioma

Lysis of Adhesions, Cul-de-sac Reconstruction

Uterosacral Nerve Ablation

Presacral Neurectomy

Appendectomy

Hysterectomy +/- BSO